No abstract

Highlights d SMAPs bind at an intersubunit pocket defined by all three PP2A subunits d DT-061 (SMAP) binding results in selective stabilization of PP2A-B56a heterotrimers d Stabilization of B56a heterotrimers biases PP2A toward substrates such as c-Myc d Accumulation of methylated, B56a heterotrimers, is a potential clinical biomarker

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates many cellular processes. Given the central role of PP2A in regulating diverse biological functions and its dysregulation in many diseases, including cancer, PP2A directed therapeutics have become of great interest. The main approaches leveraged thus far can be categorized as follows: 1) inhibiting endogenous inhibitors of PP2A, 2) targeted disruption of post translational modifications on PP2A subunits, or 3) direct targeting of PP2A. Additional insight into the structural, molecular, and biological framework driving the efficacy of these therapeutic strategies will provide a foundation for the refinement and development of novel and clinically tractable PP2A targeted therapies.